Long-haul
Things to do in Ubud: rice terraces, temples and jungle hotels
Mist hangs in the jungle valley, and somewhere below you hear the river and a cockerel. The best things to do in Ubud, from rice terraces and the water temple to sunrise on Mount Batur, and the hotels in the valleys.
Mist still hangs in the jungle valley as you sit down on the terrace with your coffee. Somewhere below you hear the river, a cockerel and someone sweeping a temple courtyard. Small palm-leaf offerings with flowers and incense sit on the steps. Ubud is the green and spiritual heart of Bali, with a very different feel to the beaches in the south.
Here are the best things to do in and around Ubud, and the hotels where you wake up with the jungle outside.
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The best things to do in Ubud
Tegallalang: the rice terraces north of town, most beautiful early in the morning.
Sacred Monkey Forest: a forest with temples and hundreds of macaques. Hold on to your sunglasses and food.
Tirta Empul: the water temple where Balinese purify themselves in spring water. You can join in wearing a sarong.
Campuhan Ridge Walk: an easy walk along a grassy ridge between two river valleys.
Ubud Palace and market: dance performances in the evening and crafts by day.
Mount Batur at sunrise: set off in the night and hike the volcano to watch the sun rise over Abang and Agung.
Many also take yoga classes, cooking classes or go rafting on the Ayung River.
Book the experience: See tours and things to do in Ubud
Where to stay in Ubud
Central Ubud is lively with cafés and shops. For jungle views, stay in the surrounding river valleys, often only a few minutes by car from town.
Petanu valley
Viceroy Bali sits on the edge of a jungle valley east of Ubud.
Petanu valley: Viceroy Bali
Viceroy sits on the edge of a deep jungle valley just outside Ubud, and every villa has its own pool looking out over the trees. In the evening all you hear is the insects and the river.
Guests praise the staff, and there is a shuttle into town.
Book your stay: See rooms at Viceroy Bali
Central Ubud
Bisma Eight is within walking distance of the centre.
Central: Bisma Eight
Bisma Eight is within walking distance of the centre and the start of the Campuhan Ridge Walk. The pool hangs over the jungle, and the breakfast gets rave reviews.
It is a good choice if you want to walk to restaurants and the palace but still look out over the green.
Book your stay: See rooms at Bisma Eight
Ayung River
The Samaya sits in the valley by the Ayung River.
Ayung River: The Samaya Ubud
The Samaya sits down in the valley by the Ayung River, with private pool villas. It is quiet, green and a good choice for a honeymoon.
Book your stay: See rooms at The Samaya Ubud
Sayan: Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan
Four Seasons sits in the Ayung valley, and you walk across a footbridge to a lotus pond on the roof of the main building. The villas are spread along the river and the rice terraces below.
Book your stay: See rooms at Four Seasons Sayan
When is the best time to visit Ubud?
The dry season from April to October is the most popular time on Bali, with less rain and clearer days. The rainy season from November to March brings heavy showers, often in the afternoon, but also greener rice terraces and fewer visitors.
When should you book?
July and August: peak season, book hotels three to five months ahead.
Batur hike: book a couple of days ahead, pick-ups are from your hotel in the night.
Combine: stay three or four nights in Ubud and finish on the beach in the south.
Ubud FAQ
How many days should you spend in Ubud?
Three to four days gives time for the rice terraces, the temples, Monkey Forest and a trip to Mount Batur. Many combine Ubud with a few days on the beach.
Is Monkey Forest in Ubud safe?
Yes, but the monkeys are used to people and may grab sunglasses, food and bags. Do not bring food in, hold on to your belongings and avoid staring the monkeys in the eye.
Where can you see rice terraces on Bali?
Tegallalang north of Ubud is the best known and easiest to reach. Jatiluwih further west is larger and on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the subak system.
When is the best time for Ubud?
April to October is the dry season. November to March is the rainy season, but greener and quieter.
Where should I stay in Ubud?
Stay in the jungle valleys at Viceroy Bali or Four Seasons Sayan for views and peace, or centrally at Bisma Eight to walk to restaurants and markets.